Author Archives: Maria - FlowingWatersArt

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About Maria - FlowingWatersArt

I'm a self-taught mixed media artist and have been creating art and a positive atmosphere in my life for as long as I can remember. I live in sunny South Florida, which serves as my inspiration for my use of bright fun colors with a whimsical flair. My goal is to inspire and empower you to find your inner happiness through creativity, as I have in my life. This website includes different tips and techniques that will hopefully inspire your inner muse to create. Welcome and join me on a wonderful journey in creating art!

Moonlit Currents: A Calming Coastal Watercolor

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There’s something so peaceful about the feeling of standing near the water at night — the glow of moonlight reflecting across the shoreline, the gentle movement of the tides, and the calm that seems to settle over everything. That quiet feeling became the inspiration behind my newest original watercolor painting, “Moonlit Currents.”

This 5×7 abstract watercolor features deep midnight blues, glowing turquoise tones, warm sandy golds, and flowing details that create a dreamy coastal atmosphere. I wanted this piece to feel both calming and full of movement, like waves quietly drifting beneath a star-filled sky.

One of my favorite parts of creating watercolor paintings is watching the colors naturally blend and move across the paper. The soft transitions in this piece helped create that peaceful, atmospheric feeling I was hoping for. “Moonlit Currents” also includes an approximately .5 inch white border, making it easy to frame and display.

I think this painting would work beautifully in a cozy reading nook, bedroom, office, or any space needing a little softness and calm coastal energy.

✨ “Moonlit Currents” is now available in my Etsy shop here: Flowing Waters Art Shop

Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing in my creative journey. I hope this new piece brings a little moment of calm and inspiration to your day.

Have a wonderful and creative day!

Share the Happy💖

Unlock Healthy Eating: Intentional Choices for Vitality

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Let me ask you something…

Have you ever finished a meal and thought, “Why do I feel so tired right now?” Or maybe you’ve said, “I’ll eat better tomorrow”… more than once?

I know I have.

Lately, I started noticing a pattern—not in a judgmental way, just awareness. The quick choices, the convenience, the “I’ll just grab this for now” moments… they add up.

So I paused and asked myself:
What if I just felt a little better each day—would it be worth a small change?

That question stuck with me and led me to this simple focus:
a lean, healthy way of eating.

Not a diet. Not a strict plan. Not all-or-nothing. Just a little more intention.

Let me ask you this—how do you want to feel after you eat? Energized? Light? Clear-headed? Because when I really thought about it, that’s what I was missing. Lately, I noticed I’d been leaning more toward fried foods and heavier carbs—bread, potatoes, cereal—while the things that usually make me feel my best, like fresh juices and whole foods, had quietly taken a back seat.

So now, I’m keeping it simple: choosing foods that feel lighter, adding more fresh, colorful ingredients, and pausing for just a second before I eat. Sometimes that pause is everything—not to be perfect, just to choose a little better.

And here’s the surprising part—those small choices actually feel good. Not restrictive or overwhelming… just right.

So if you’ve been feeling a little off, low on energy, or stuck in “I’ll start tomorrow” mode, maybe this is your moment too. Not to change everything overnight—just one small, intentional choice that makes you feel good after.

Have you been thinking about refreshing a habit this season? I’d love to hear what you’re focusing on—feel free to share in the comments 💬

Thank you so much for stopping by and spending a little time here with me. Wishing you a happy, healthy, and refreshing spring 🌿

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Creating Peace with ‘Whispering Shores’ Watercolor Art

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There’s something about the ocean that never really leaves you—the gentle rhythm, the shifting colors, the quiet sense of calm it brings. That feeling is exactly what inspired my newest watercolor piece, “Whispering Shores.”

This painting came together in a way that felt very fluid and intuitive, almost like following the movement of water itself. I worked with washes of turquoise, hints of green, and warm sandy tones, letting each layer settle naturally into the next. The result is a piece that feels both peaceful and alive—like standing at the edge of the shoreline and watching the tide drift in and out.

One of my favorite details in this piece is the subtle shimmer. I added delicate touches of glitter to catch the light just enough to give it that soft, sunlit sparkle—like sunlight dancing across the water. It’s not overpowering, just a gentle little surprise when the light hits it.

Because this is a 5×7 watercolor on paper, I included a soft white border around the painting. I love doing this because it makes framing easy and gives the artwork a clean, finished look once it’s matted.

I can really see this piece living in a cozy corner, a bedroom, or even a quiet workspace—anywhere you want to bring in a sense of calm and a little bit of coastal energy.

If “Whispering Shores” speaks to you, you can find it available now in my Etsy shop here:
Flowing Waters Art Shop

As always, thank you so much for stopping by and being part of my creative journey. Wishing you a beautiful, peaceful, and inspiring day.

Share the Happy ❤️

Nurturing Growth: Finding Clarity This Season

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There’s something about this time of year that feels like a quiet invitation.

An invitation to begin again.
To try something new.
To nurture something that’s been patiently waiting beneath the surface.

Growth doesn’t always arrive in big, dramatic ways. Sometimes, it’s subtle. It’s choosing to show up for yourself a little more consistently. It’s letting go of what no longer fits. It’s making space—mentally, emotionally, or even creatively—for something fresh to take root.

So today, I invite you to pause and ask yourself:

What am I ready to grow this season?

Maybe it’s a creative practice you’ve been putting off.
Maybe it’s confidence, or peace, or a sense of direction.
Maybe it’s something as simple (and powerful) as joy.

Growth doesn’t need to be perfect. It doesn’t need to be rushed. Like anything nurtured with care, it unfolds in its own time.

And just like in art, not every layer is meant to be seen—but every layer matters.

So wherever you are right now, trust that small steps count. Tiny shifts add up. And even the quietest beginnings can lead to something beautiful.

Thank you so much for stopping by today. I hope this little moment of reflection brings you clarity, inspiration, and a gentle sense of possibility. Wishing you a wonderful and creative day ahead.

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Sunset Veil: Bringing Coastal Calm to Your Space

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There’s something about sunsets that keeps pulling me back in—the colors, the quiet, the way everything seems to soften for just a moment.

Sunset Veil began as one of those moments.

I couldn’t resist exploring another sunset-inspired abstract, and somehow (not surprisingly), I found myself drifting back to the ocean again. There’s just something about that meeting of sky and water that feels endless and calming all at once.

This piece leans into a softer palette than some of my other work, but it still carries that vibrant energy I love. Layers of color blend and move like a gentle tide, creating a sense of flow that feels both peaceful and alive.

Even with all the behind-the-scenes shop work I’ve been juggling lately—the kind that never really seems to end—I carved out a little time to paint this. And honestly, I needed it. There’s something about sitting down and letting the colors lead that resets everything.

I loved how Sunset Veil came together so much that I decided to turn it into a print, making it easier to bring this soft, ocean-inspired glow into your own space.

Whether it reminds you of waves rolling in, a fading sunset sky, or something entirely your own, that’s part of the magic. Abstract art always leaves room for your own story.

✨ Sunset Veil is now available as a Giclée art print in sizes from 5×7 to 18×24—ready to bring a soft, coastal glow into your space. You can find it in my shop here: FlowingWatersArtShop.etsy.com

Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing this moment of color with me. I hope your day is filled with inspiration, creativity, and a little bit of calm.

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The Emotional Impact of Spring Colors in Art

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Fiesta Abstract 16×20″

There’s something about spring that feels like a fresh start. The colors return, the light shifts, and as artists, we naturally begin reaching for softer, brighter palettes.

Spring colors do more than look pretty—they carry mood and emotion.

Soft pastels like blush pink, lavender, and baby blue bring a sense of calm and renewal. They feel gentle and peaceful, like a quiet moment to breathe. Fresh greens, on the other hand, are full of life and possibility. They remind us of growth and new beginnings—like something beautiful is just starting to unfold.

Yellows add warmth and light. Even a small touch can lift a painting and bring a sense of joy. And those playful pops of coral, peach, and bright florals? They invite a more free, expressive approach—encouraging us to let go and enjoy the process.

What I love most is how the colors we choose often reflect how we’re feeling. Sometimes we lean into soft, calming tones, and other times we crave bold, energetic hues. There’s no right or wrong—it’s all part of the creative journey.

So next time you’re creating or even just observing a painting, pay attention to the colors that catch your eye. They may be quietly speaking to your mood.

Thank you so much for stopping by and spending a little creative time here with me. Wishing you a colorful and inspiring day!

Share the Happy 💖

Aurora’s Garden 18×24″

Discover Ocean-Inspired Art: Luminous Tides and Tidal Blooms

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  • Luminous Tides
  • Tidal Blooms

There’s something about ocean-inspired paintings that always pulls me in a little deeper—like a quiet pause, a breath, a moment of stillness and movement all at once.

Today I want to introduce two new pieces that feel especially connected in that way: “Luminous Tides” and “Tidal Blooms.”

Luminous Tides is all about movement and glow—those shifting layers of water, light, and color that feel like they’re constantly unfolding. It’s a 5×7 mixed media abstract where fluid marks and luminous tones come together in a way that feels both calm and energized, like the ocean catching light just before sunset.

Then there’s Tidal Blooms, its softer companion. This piece leans into that meeting point between sea and garden—cool ocean-inspired blues and greens woven with delicate touches of white and soft yellow florals. It feels like something quietly emerging, as if blooms are drifting in and out with the tide.

Together, they feel like a conversation—movement and stillness, depth and light, water and bloom. I didn’t set out to make them a pair, but they naturally found their rhythm alongside each other.

Both originals are now available in my shop if you’d like to take a closer look or bring one into your space. You can find them at Flowing Waters Art Shop on Etsy.

Thank you so much for spending a little time here and getting to know these new works. I always appreciate you stopping by and following along with my creative process.

Wishing you a beautiful, creative, and truly wonderful day.

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Digital Detox: Embrace Serenity in a Connected World

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Photo by Adem Percem on Pexels.com

In a world that’s always “on,” taking a moment to unplug can feel… surprisingly hard. Notifications, emails, social media, endless scrolling—it all becomes part of our daily rhythm. But every now and then, stepping away from the noise can bring a kind of clarity and calm that’s truly refreshing.

Lately, I’ve been reminded of just how beautiful it is to disconnect—even for a little while.

There’s something incredibly grounding about putting the phone down, closing the laptop, and simply being present. Whether it’s sitting quietly with a cup of coffee, flipping through a favorite book, or spending time creating art without distractions, those unplugged moments feel fuller somehow—more real, more intentional.

If you’ve been feeling a bit overwhelmed or scattered, a gentle digital detox might be just what you need. Here are a few simple ways to ease into it:

Start Small
You don’t have to disappear for a week to feel the benefits. Try setting aside 30 minutes to an hour each day without screens. Even a short break can reset your mind.

Create Tech-Free Zones
Designate certain spaces—like your bedroom or creative area—as no-phone zones. This helps protect your rest and your creativity.

Replace, Don’t Just Remove
Instead of just cutting out screen time, fill that space with something nourishing. Journaling, painting, walking, or even just sitting quietly can be incredibly restorative.

Be Intentional with Your Time Online
When you do go back to your devices, try to use them with purpose. Mindless scrolling can leave us feeling drained, while meaningful connection or inspiration can actually uplift us.

Reconnect with What Matters
Unplugging creates space—space to think, feel, create, and reconnect with yourself. It’s in those quiet moments that inspiration often finds its way back in.

As someone who finds so much joy in creating, I’ve noticed that some of my most meaningful ideas come when I step away from the digital world and allow myself to just be. There’s a softness, a flow, and a sense of calm that naturally returns.

So today, maybe take a small step. Put the phone down. Step outside. Pick up a paintbrush. Or simply breathe in a quiet moment.

You might be surprised at the beauty you find in unplugging.

Thank you so much for stopping by and spending a little time here with me. Wishing you a peaceful, creative, and wonderful day ✨

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Chasing Light: When an Abstract Becomes an Ocean Sunset

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There are moments in the creative process that feel less like painting… and more like discovering. This piece was one of those moments.

I set out with the simple intention of creating a landscape abstract—nothing too defined, just a gentle exploration of color and movement. But somewhere along the way, something shifted. The soft pinks, warm yellows, and dreamy blues began to blend in a way that felt familiar… and before I even realized it, an ocean sunset started to emerge. 🌅

It wasn’t planned. It wasn’t forced. It just… unfolded.

I began this painting with brushes, carefully laying down color and feeling out the composition. But pretty quickly, I felt the urge to let go of that control. My fingers took over, blending the sky, softening transitions, and adding that fluid, organic movement that only happens when you truly connect with the paint. There’s something incredibly freeing about that—no tools, just instinct.

The sky became this soft, glowing wash of color—almost like cotton candy drifting across the horizon—while the ocean below grounded the piece with movement and depth. And those tiny birds? They seemed to appear right when they were needed, adding just a hint of life and story.

What I love most about this painting is how it reminds me that creativity doesn’t always need a plan. Sometimes, the most meaningful pieces come from letting go, trusting your instincts, and allowing the art to reveal itself.

This one felt a little magical from start to finish. ✨

Have you ever created something that surprised you along the way?

Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing this creative moment with me. Wishing you a wonderful, and inspiring day!

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What Would You Do With Your Life If Money Didn’t Matter?

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It’s a question that stops us in our tracks:

What would I do if money didn’t matter?

Most of us spend so much time chasing stability, paying bills, or meeting expectations that we rarely pause to imagine a life completely free from financial worry. But even imagining it can spark insight, creativity, and self-discovery.

When money isn’t the focus, what rises to the top?

  • Passion and curiosity — painting, writing, music, exploring, creating.
  • Connection — spending time with family, friends, or communities that inspire us.
  • Contribution — helping others, volunteering, sharing knowledge, making a difference.
  • Growth — learning new skills, traveling, or simply exploring life without fear.

This question isn’t about escaping responsibility. It’s about uncovering what truly matters, what fills your life with meaning beyond paychecks and deadlines.

Even small glimpses of this “freedom” can transform how we live now. Perhaps it’s dedicating a few hours a week to a passion project, a mindful walk, or a creative practice. Perhaps it’s noticing what sparks joy in your life, even while you meet your responsibilities.

The truth is, money shapes options, but it doesn’t define purpose. Pause and imagine your life without financial limits — what would you create, explore, or share? Even the smallest step toward that vision — a few hours on a passion project, a new hobby, or simply noticing what brings you joy — is a move toward the life you truly want. Don’t wait for the “perfect” moment; start living pieces of it today.

Take a moment to write it down: If money didn’t matter, what would you do? Even one small step this week toward that vision is a piece of the life you’re meant to live. Share your thoughts in the comments — I’d love to hear!

Thank you for visiting today. May your day be filled with small joys and meaningful moments.

Share the Happy❤️